Briefs: Hampton Grad Primed At A&t

Briefs

Jamel Gray, a freshman guard from Hampton High, was North Carolina A&T's top reserve this season.

On a team with four senior starters, Gray played 20 minutes per game and averaged 5.8 points. He scored in double figures four times, including a season-high 16 points against Delaware State.

Gray scored two points in Thursday's 79-47 loss to Wake Forest and was occasionally matched against Deacons' freshman Tony Rutland of Bethel High.

``We were kind of talking junk back and forth,'' Gray said. ``It was good to see him, someone from back home. I wish them well.''

Gray described the season as ``a learning experience,'' especially adjusting to new coach Roy Thomas.

``For the next three years, the point guard role is mine,'' Gray said. ``I look forward to that.''

STRANGE M.O. Not many teams shoot 20.8 percent in the second half and win, but that's what St. Louis did in its 64-61 overtime victory over Minnesota. The Billikens led 38-25 at halftime, only to make 5-of-24 shots in the second half, allowing the Gophers to force overtime. In OT, St. Louis attempted only three shots, making two.

SPELLING BEE. The NCAA-licensed T-shirts on sale here are a disaster. Deacons is spelled Decons. Billikens is Billikins, and Drexel is Drexal. Oops. NCAA officials did not permit the $20 items to be sold.